Interactive geo-referenced source imagery viewing system and method

Abstract

The present invention pertains to geographical image applications. A user may transition between nadir and street level imagery using unstitched oblique imagery. Oblique images offer a rich set of views of a target location and provide a smooth transition to or from other images such as nadir photographs taken by satellites or street level photographs taken by ground level users. Using unstitched oblique images avoids artifacts that may be introduced when stitching together one or more images. This allows an application to display images to a user and create the illusion of three dimensional motion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to image mapping systems and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to using oblique imagery and providing smooth transitions between different images to create a three dimensional motion experience for a viewer.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Imagery taken by satellites, planes and other sources is used to provide visual information about the earth and different points of interest. Recently, improvements in computer processing power and broadband streaming technology have lead to the development of interactive systems for navigating imagery. Some interactive map navigation systems provide a user interface (“UI”) with navigation controls for dynamically navigating cities, neighborhoods and other terrain in three dimensions. The navigation controls enable users to tilt, pan, rotate, zoom and activate terrain and buildings for different perspectives at a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Systems and methods provide a robust architecture to smoothly transition between different images and create the illusion of true three dimensional motion.

[0011]In accordance with a further embodiment, a method of processing geographical imagery comprises issuing a request for images, the request including a target location; receiving a plurality of unstitched oblique images in response to the request; selecting one of the plurality of unstitched oblique images; and displaying the selected unstitched oblique image in conjunction with other imagery on a display so that the selected unstitched oblique image smoothly transitions to or from the other imagery on the display.

Problems solved by technology

However, as different images are taken from different locations and orientations, there may be a loss of context or the introduction of artifacts when changing views.

Images